With the Sam Maguire holders defending their Munster crown in the provincial decider at Fitzgerald Stadium on Sunday, their boss’s focus is completely on the Rebels
Jack O’Connor(Image: ©INPHO/Natasha Barton)
Kerry have been drawn at home to Donegal in a mouth-watering All-Ireland SFC Round 1 fixture — but Jack O’Connor’s only interest right now is Cork.
With the Sam Maguire holders defending their Munster crown in the provincial decider at Fitzgerald Stadium on Sunday, their boss’s focus is completely on the Rebels.
“I suppose it isn’t ideal, really, to have the draw before the Munster final, because I actually think it takes from the Munster final,” said O’Connor.
“The Munster final should be a big standalone fixture in its own right and I just hope it won’t distract people. We’ll be doing our level best to make sure it doesn’t distract the players, which is the most important thing.
“I have no interest in discussing that game (Donegal) until we are finished with Cork, to be honest with you, and the Cork game is over.
“We’ll have our hands full with Cork besides worrying about the game that is coming afterwards.”
O’Connor (inset) was pessimistic about any players from Kerry’s walking wounded being available to line out against Cork.
Shane Ryan, Paul Murphy, Brian Ó Beaglaoich, Joe O’Connor, Sean O’Shea, Graham O’Sullivan and Dylan Geaney all missed the provincial semi-final victory over Clare through injury.
Tom O’Sullivan was forced off in the early stages of the second half in Ennis 10 days ago, while Gavin White and Sean O’Brien were only fit enough for sub cameos.
“We think the panel that we had going to Ennis will be more or less the panel for the Cork game. I’d say the game will probably come too soon for some of the injured lads,” he added.
“It’s day by day. Some of those injuries can turn quickly but, at the moment, any of the players who were absent in Clare haven’t returned to full training. That’s as much as I can say.”